Air Fryer Culver’s Fried Pickles (Easy Copycat Recipe)

Culver’s fried pickles are back, and fans are ordering them by the bagful! These crunchy dill pickle slices are coated in a light, golden batter with a tangy, juicy center that’s impossible to stop eating. The only problem? They’re a limited-time menu item, so they won’t be around forever.

The good news is that you can make them at home any time. This copycat recipe uses the air fryer to get that same crispy, golden coating with way less oil and no mess. They’re ready in about 20 minutes, and they’re perfect for game day, parties, or snacking alongside a ButterBurger.

What Are Culver’s Fried Pickles?

Culver’s describes its fried pickles as crunchy dill pickle slices covered in a light batter and fried to a golden brown. They’re a limited-time side on the menu, served hot and perfect for dipping. Unlike thick, heavily breaded fried pickles at some restaurants, Culver’s version has a thin, light coating that lets the tangy pickle flavor shine through.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• They taste like the restaurant version. A light, crispy coating and tangy dill center give you that classic Culver’s flavor.
• They’re made in the air fryer. No pot of hot oil, no greasy mess, and much easier cleanup.
• They’re ready in about 20 minutes. Just dredge, coat, and air fry.
• You can enjoy them year-round. No need to wait for Culver’s to bring them back.
• They’re perfect for dipping. Serve them with ranch, Boom Boom Sauce, or your favorite dip.
• There’s a deep-fried option too. Want the most authentic version? A light batter recipe is included below.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The exact measurements are in the recipe card below, but here’s what goes into these fried pickles and why each ingredient matters.

• Dill pickle chips: Crinkle-cut dill pickle chips work best since they’re thin and the ridges help the coating stick. Look for a jar labeled “dill chips” or “hamburger dill chips.”
• All-purpose flour and cornstarch: This combination creates a light, crispy coating. The cornstarch helps it crisp up in the air fryer without getting heavy.
• Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne add savory flavor to the coating.
• Eggs and buttermilk: The egg wash helps the coating stick. Buttermilk adds a subtle tang that complements the pickles. Regular milk works too.
• Panko breadcrumbs: Crushing them finely gives you a light, crunchy coating that mimics a fried batter in the air fryer.
• Cooking spray or oil spray: A light mist helps the coating turn golden and crispy.
• Salt: A sprinkle right when they come out of the air fryer adds the finishing touch.

How to Make Air Fryer Culver’s Fried Pickles

Step 1: Dry the pickles. Drain the pickle chips and spread them on a paper towel-lined sheet pan. Pat the tops dry with more paper towels. This is the most important step, since wet pickles make the coating slide off.

Step 2: Set up a breading station. In the first shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and seasonings. In the second bowl, whisk the eggs and buttermilk. In the third bowl, add the finely crushed panko.

Step 3: Coat the pickles. Working a few at a time, toss the pickle chips in the flour mixture, shaking off the excess. Dip them in the egg wash, let the extra drip off, then press them into the panko until fully coated.

Step 4: Preheat the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3 to 5 minutes.

Step 5: Air fry. Arrange the pickles in a single layer in the basket without overlapping. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray. Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying again, until golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Season and serve. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt right away and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Deep-Fried Version (Light Batter)

For the closest match to Culver’s light batter, you can deep fry them instead. Whisk together ¾ cup all-purpose flour, ¼ cup cornstarch, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and the same seasonings. Slowly whisk in about ¾ cup cold club soda until you have a thin batter, like pancake batter. Heat oil to 375°F. Dip the dried pickle chips in the batter, let the excess drip off, and fry in small batches for 2 to 3 minutes until golden. Drain on a wire rack and salt immediately.

Tips for the Best Fried Pickles

• Dry the pickles well. It’s the difference between a crispy coating and a soggy one.
• Crush the panko. Finely crushed panko creates a lighter, more batter-like coating.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket. Cook in batches so hot air can circulate around every pickle.
• Spray both sides. A light mist of oil before and after flipping helps them brown evenly.
• Use thin chips. Thin pickle slices cook quickly and stay crispy. Thick spears take longer and can turn soggy.
• Serve immediately. Fried pickles are best hot out of the air fryer.

What to Dip Them In

• Ken’s Boom Boom Sauce: Tangy and spicy, it’s a perfect match. Try my Ken’s Boom Boom Sauce Recipe (Culver’s Copycat).
• Buttermilk ranch: A cool, creamy classic.
• Spicy mayo or Cajun mayo: For extra heat.
• Honey mustard: For a sweet and tangy contrast.

What to Serve with Fried Pickles

Make it a Culver’s-style snack spread with Air Fryer Copycat Culver’s Cheese Curds and a ButterBurger. You’ll find every recipe you need for a Culver’s night at home in my Culver’s Copycat Recipes collection.

Storing and Reheating

Fried pickles are best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 3 to 4 minutes until crispy again. Avoid the microwave, since it makes the coating soggy.

Make-ahead tip: Bread the pickles, arrange them on a parchment-lined tray, and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and freeze for up to 1 month. Air fry from frozen at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Culver’s fried pickles? They’re crunchy dill pickle slices covered in a light batter and fried until golden brown. They’re a limited-time side at Culver’s.

Are Culver’s fried pickles available all year? No, they’re a limited-time menu item, so availability depends on the season and location. With this recipe, you can make them any time.

What kind of pickles should I use? Crinkle-cut dill pickle chips work best. They’re thin, crisp up quickly, and the ridges help the coating stick.

Why is my coating falling off? The pickles were probably too wet. Pat them completely dry before breading, and press the panko on firmly.

Can I make fried pickles without eggs? Yes. Use buttermilk alone as the wet layer, or swap in a thin mixture of flour and water.

What dipping sauce goes with fried pickles? Ranch and Boom Boom Sauce are the most popular choices.

More Culver’s Copycat Recipes

• Ken’s Boom Boom Sauce Recipe (Culver’s Copycat)
• Air Fryer Copycat Culver’s Cheese Curds
• Easy Copycat Culver’s Chicken Tender Recipe
• Copycat Culvers Butter Burgers
• Culver’s Copycat Recipes

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